KUALA LUMPUR, El Sky News – The disparity between students who have access to education and those who are excluded is reportedly widening, driven by the increasingly challenging economic environment in the country. This situation not only puts pressure on the existing education system but also indicates long-term risks to the development of the nation’s human capital.
This issue has garnered serious attention after the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, emphasized that the current economic situation has further exacerbated social imbalances in the education sector.
“In a demanding and difficult economic climate, low-income families are often forced to make hard choices that directly impact their children’s access to education. This further accelerates the dropout rate in schools,” she stated recently.
Direct Impact of Economic Challenges
Reports by various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and education researchers indicate that economic hardship leads to several critical factors:
- Burden of Additional Costs: Although formal education is free, ancillary costs such as digital devices for hybrid learning, tuition fees, transportation, and daily meals become significant obstacles for B40 (Bottom 40% income group) families.
- Need for Child Labor: Some students are forced to choose part-time or full-time work to supplement family income, causing them to neglect or leave school.
- Internet and Digital Access: The digital divide in rural and remote areas remains a major issue, where students cannot compete fairly in a learning environment increasingly dependent on technology.
Proactive Action is Required
The Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), along with relevant government agencies, is seen as needing to strengthen existing intervention programs to reduce this gap.
Among the suggested steps are increasing the social safety net, providing more targeted financial support, and expanding guidance and motivational programs for students at high risk of dropping out.
Educational analyst, Dr. Azmi Hussin, believes that the solution requires a holistic approach. “This problem is not solely an educational problem, but also a socioeconomic one. We need cooperation from all parties – government, community, and the private sector – to ensure that no student is left behind,” he explained.
Addressing this access gap is crucial for Malaysia to achieve its goal of becoming a sustainable and inclusive high-income nation. The future of the country depends on the ability of every citizen to receive quality education regardless of their economic background.
(Leakim Otid)
